Stephen Colbert's 'The Colbert Report' to honor U.S. soldiers coming home from Iraq, Vice President Joe Biden to visit specials

08/20/2010 by Corinne Heller

Comedy Central plans to air two episodes of the satirical political show The Colbert Report that will honor U.S. troops returning home after fighting the war in Iraq, adding that viewers can expect to see Vice President Joe Biden on the specials.

"The Iraq War is over and all Americans should thank the returning troops," Colbert said in a statement. "And quickly before they get sent to Afghanistan."

The Colbert Report will broadcast "Been There, Won That: The Returnification of the American-Do Troopscape!, two special shows just for them," a post on Comedy Central's "INdecision blog reads. "The audience will be composed entirely of Iraq war veterans who will either be in the studio or piped in by satellite from Walter Reed Army Hospital and Afghanistan."

"Expect visits from, among others, Vice President Joe Biden and Commanding General Ray Odierno,' the blog says. "Do not expect visits from any non-heroes."

The shows will be pre-recorded and are set to air on September 8 and 9 at 11:30 p.m.

Odierno shaved Colbert's head, on President Barack Obama's orders, when the comedian taped four episodes of the show in Baghdad in 2009, during which Colbert donned a camouflage suit and reported from a desk supported by sand bags.

The 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, which exited Iraq on Wednesday, was officiall designated the last combat brigade to leave Iraq under Obama's plan to end combat operations there by Aug. 31, the Associated Press said, adding that about 50,000 members will stay another year in what is designated as a noncombat role.